H&M March 2012 (just released): My Picks + Review

The dressing room I was assigned to in H&M was awfully cramped, so I tried to make do with my crappy lighting and dusty mirror in my roomy bathroom....so please keep in mind to excuse the lousy lighting (makes the colors inaccurate) and my poor editing skills (still a noob).

I was so impressed with H&M's just-released clothing line and Angie inspired me to post some pics up!

 1) Black cotton tee with rhinestoned peter pan collar size S ($17.95) + 2) Champagne tweed mini skirt size 4 (has a slight metallic sheen) ($29.95)

 I've been adoring anything tweed lately, but 99% of the time, it's too expensive or it's not the color I was looking for.  So when I found this tweed mini skirt that stayed on my waist, was made of thick tweed material, lined, and was the champagne color I was looking for (it looks pink in the left photo, but I promise it's champagne with a balance of beige and pink tones), I just knew I would get a ton of wear out of it.  Since it is a bit on the short side for work, I would pair it with opaque black/brown tights and voila!  Work appropriate galore.  This H&M tweed skirt seems to run small, since I usually take a size 2 for an H&M skirt to stay on my waist.

The black tee with the swagged-up champagne collar, on the other hand, is a possible return.  I'm in love with the unique, blinged out collar that catches the light so nicely, but I find it kind of weird that this well-made, sturdy collar was stuck on a plain black tee.   Ok, I admit, it does dress up the tee, but....it's still a cotton tee.  Also, the tee is really boxy and unfitted when not tucked in (boxiness not pictured).  I just don't know...what do you guys think?  Is it a keeper?  

 3) Mesh Dot Black Shirt size XS ($17.95) Returned

When I bought this green, high-waisted skirt from my previous Express haul, I had an image in my mind that it would totally rock with a black mesh dot shirt and nude pumps.  As evidenced by the photos, I adore them all together!  With this straight cut on the cotton part of the shirt (as opposed to a sweetheart cut), it makes the shirt less sexy/girly and more clean/minimalistic, which I prefer.  I agree with Angie on the pricing though...I'm not sure if it's a keeper yet.  I just can't seem to find a more affordable mesh dot shirt besides this one and Zara's, which isn't quite perfect but it's a buck cheaper.  This shirt is well-fitted since it's stretchy, and seems to run true to size.

4) Cobalt Blue Fitted Blazer size 4 ($34.95)

I was actually wearing this neon, chartreuse sweater that day and by sheer accident, I was replicating a combination from bcbgmaxazria's spring line! (as pictured below) I have been on the hunt for a cobalt blue blazer like the one from J.Crew (as pictured below), but the J.Crew was way out of my price range.  This H&M one is surprisingly well-fitted, lined, and made of sturdy material.  My only gripe is that it is just slightly too long for my preference (I like when my blazers end right at the top of the hip).  Being 5 times cheaper than J.Crew's, I'm pretty sure this H&M blazer is a keeper.  This style seems to run true to size.

Bcbgmaxazria Spring 2012

J.Crew Spring 2012

5) Slim Black Trousers size 4 ($34.95)

Gals, I know this may sound bizarre, but this was actually my favorite find.  I've been looking for slim black, sturdy trousers ever since I started working, and these surprisingly go beyond my expectations.  The material is so covetable (on H&M's standard) since it's so thick and structured; it has belt loops; the length is perfect on my proportionally short legs; and it is fitted but has a little "give" (definitely not squeezing like leggings, though the pictures suggest they are taut over my butt and thighs...I promise my butt and thighs have room to move).  A well-fitted, already-tailored trousers for below $40?  Hell yes.

6) Cap-sleeve V-neck Black Crepe dress size 4 ($34.95, but I used a 20% off coupon...so it was $27.96)

 I actually purchased this dress 2 weeks ago from H&M, but I figured why not include it in this H&M review since this dress is still available for sale.  (Sorry it is a bit wrinkly!)  I love the cut and silhouette on my body!  Not too tight, but still fitted enough to flaunt my curves.  I love the cap sleeve style on my small, bony shoulders and the v-neck to give me shape on my rather shapeless chest.  This is going to be my one and only LBD (aka little black dress) after I sell my strapless black dress from Zara (if anyone is interested, I'll post a picture below).  I know this dress will go a long way since it's such a timeless staple.

The Zara dress I'm selling (as mentioned above): SOLD

Selling this Zara strapless bodycon black dress with crisscross pattern (can't see this detail in the picture) for $10! Has a slight sweetheart neckline, and is a size XS. One of my bf's favorite dresses on me, but I found another black dress recently that's better suited to my body type (referring to the H&M one).

Overall, I was super impressed with H&M's newly released line, especially the quality and sturdiness of some of the pieces.  I never really considered H&M a "quality" option, but this review/haul is starting to make me think otherwise.  Let me know if this review was helpful :D

heart, alice

P.S. In case you were wondering, the nude patent pumps in the photos are Target Versie size 7 and the black patent pumps are Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps in size 6 1/2.

The Dressing Room: Express Spring 2012 Collection + J.Crew Inspirations + Random (exciting!) Gap Find

It feels WEIRD that my first dressing room review is for Express because I seriously have avoided this store for 4+ years now.  Their clothes initially stopped appealing to me after realizing how overpriced their clothes were.  Their clothes have never fit me that well (not very petite-friendly clothing, especially the pants).  Furthermore, they focused on trying to create great basics (i.e., their jeans, tees, tanks, suiting, etc.) instead of following the trends, which made me bored of Express.  Over time, the quality of their clothing just went down the drain, which altogether just made me stop going into that store completely.

So one day I saw some of Jerry's Express coupons lying around our apartment (he has an Express credit card, so he gets sent massive amounts of coupons every week).  I would have normally recycled the coupons automatically, but one image caught my attention. One of the models was wearing a zig zag black and white stripe skirt, and I have been trying to search for a form-fitting, print skirt for some time now.  The Express skirt's black and white stripes also reminded me of a J.Crew blouse I had seen earlier that day in a Spring 2012 catalog:

I loved how J.Crew creatively juxtaposed the bold black and white stripes with the bright rose pink and pale mint green/grass green here for their spring collection.  With J.Crew's black/white stripes inspiration in mind, I went to explore the Express website a little more. I then saw this amazing high-waist, form-fitting green Express skirt that reminded me of yet another one (or two) of J.Crew's amazing outfits using green bottoms:

*Isn't the green sequin skirt freaking amazing?????  I'd feel like a mermaid wearing that*

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With coupons in hand, I went to go check out Express' skirts and dresses.  Here were my picks from the Express spring 2012 collection to try on in the dressing room:

Diagonal Stripe Bandage Skirt size 00

Of course, the first skirt I try on is the one I saw on the model!  I loved how it was form-fitting in just the right way and comfortable, since it was a knit material.  The skirt's fabric was pretty thick enough to hold your figure in (you can put your trusty Spanx away for this skirt...), and I liked the length of the skirt!  $70 bucks for a knit skirt still screamed "OVERPRICED!" to me, but I did have a decent coupon, $10 Galleria gift card (if you're in the Galleria club, you get a free $10 American Express card on your birthday to spend anywhere in the Galleria), and a flirtatious cashier who gave me his employer discount (yes, this really happened).  So the verdict: I bought it since it was the last 00 size in the store, but am still debating on whether to return it or not. Returned.

High-Waist Zig Zag Banded Skirt in "Polo Match" size 00

 This skirt really matched my outfit that day, which made me love the skirt even more.  I LOVED the interesting texture it gave, which I prefer over the solid, untexturized green skirt/shorts J.Crew had (BUT still not as awesome as J.Crew's sequin green skirt!!!!!!!).  It was also form-fitting and thick-knitted to my liking, and I could see myself wearing this to work if I really wanted to be fun that day.  The Verdict: I bought this with the discounts listed under the previous picture, but am also debating on returning it. Kept!

Ultimate Double Weave High-Waist Pencil Skirt in "Fantasia Blue" size 00

I already had a cobalt blue skirt from Zara (even though it is quite big on my waist), so I mainly tried this Express skirt on to see if it was better fitting than my Zara skirt.  It actually fit really well on my waist, but it was too long for my petite legs.  I feel like someone who is taller than me would look fantastic in this skirt though.  Verdict: did not purchase.

Keyhole Halter Dress in "Polo Match" size XS

 The green color was very similar to the Polo Match green skirt 2 pictures ago, but my phone can only handle so much color accuracy.  This dress actually fit me pretty well, but I already had a dress too similar in style.  Dresses with this kind of cut on the neck/chest area flatter the shoulders, which I believe is the sexiest part of the woman's body :)  The Verdict: did not purchase.

Gold Sequin Mini Skirt size XS

Excuse the awkward leg lift; I was trying to show how shiny the skirt can be under the light.  I mainly tried this skirt on for Angie because I knew she was looking for a nice gold sequin skirt.  The intricate patterns of the sequins attracted me to the skirt, but ultimately, I did not like the fit on me.  It did not sit higher above the hip like I wanted it too (I like when my skirts are at my waist or slightly below the waist), and it was roomy on my hips.  Angie, you could give this skirt a try, but don't have high hopes.  Unless the cashier flirts with you and gives you a great deal.  :P  The Verdict: did not purchase.

Cotton Sateen Seemed Pencil Skirt in "Stone" size 00

 I have also been looking for a camel/khaki pencil skirt for a while now.  This was the closest color to "khaki" I could find among Express skirts, but it was not quite the color I was looking for.  As you can probably tell, though it is a size 00 like the many of the other skirts I tried on, this skirt was noticeably bigger.  It felt like a potato sack on me since it was roomy on the waist and hips....though the first picture seems like the skirt fit ok.  What's up with Express sizing inconsistencies? The Verdict: did not purchase.

Another Keyhole Halter dress, except in "Coral" size XS!  As compared to the "Polo Match" halter dress, you can tell that warmer colors tend to look better on me (maybe? no? oh well, at least I can tell in real life).  I am loving the neutral khaki-colored colorblock stripe at the bottom of the dress!  Again, I don't need another dress right now, and I went into Express looking for skirts, not dresses.  This is me practicing self-control guys.  The Verdict: did not purchase.

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The Random (Exciting!) Gap Find

So after getting decent savings on my 2 skirt purchases (thank you random flirtatious cashier), I naturally went into another store to check out more clothes (Whyyyyyyyy).  The bright colors in Gap drew me in since J.Crew's spring 2012 collection is ALL about color color color, which has been inspiring me lately...if you couldn't tell.  I almost died when I saw these Slim Cropped Pants in "Vermillion" (size 00) at Gap:

Why???  Because they were the exact same color and style as the J.Crew Minnie pants in "Vibrant Flame" I have been eyeing for a while.  And even better, these Gap ones were made of a much thicker material and had a more affordable price point.  My only 2 gripes with my beloved J.Crew Minnie pants (I own 3 of them...Black Friday sales for the win) are that the material is too thin, which limits me to what kind of underpants I can wear (...if you know where I am getting at), and they're so expensive when not on sale!  Here is the J.Crew version (I promise they're the exact same pants in the same color; I don't know why the colors are off in the 2 images):

Needless to say, I was so giddy to find that these Gap ones resolved my issues with the Minnie pants.  Since Gap only had one size 00 pants left, I decided to purchase them.  I am glad I did since the 00's are sold out online in this color, but I still wished I had some coupon or discount (why couldn't this cashier flirt with me too??? just kidding...).  Petite 00's, Petite 0's, and Regular 0's are still available though.

I will end abruptly here because I write too much.

heart, alice.

Kate Spade Supercalifragilipstick Review

The fact that I don't wear lip products on a daily basis until now with Kate Spade's lipsticks is saying a lot about this product!!!!

I realize that the video does not do the colors justice.  I will update this post with pictures if my camera takes good pictures of swatches (I don't have a nice fancy camera).


Here's 2 screenshots from when I was editing the video from my computer, which actually shows true to color what the Fuchsia Fete lipstick looked like that day:

The Supercalifragilipstick colors I talk about:

Fuchsia Fete

Bashful Blush

(I bought 2 of the Bashful Blush ones since this color was my favorite everyday, go-to color)

My makeup in this video:

Face: Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette (Target); MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream No. 23; CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Eye Concealer; Clinique Stay Matte Sheer Pressed Powder

Eyes: MAC Rubenesque Paintpot; Too Faced eyeshadow in Silk Teddy mixed with Nude Beach (from the Natural Eye palette); MAC eyeshadow in Quarry; Lancome single eyeshadow in Color Du Jour; MAC gel liner in Blacktrack; Waterproof Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara in Very Black

Bronzer/Blush: Lancome blush in Rose Fresque

Nails: China Glaze nail polish in Fifth Avenue

Lips: Kate Spade's Supercalifragilipstick in Fuchsia Fete

My top is from H&M.

This was my first review video ever, but since no one has done a review on these lipsticks yet, I decided this might help others who might be interested in them.  I'm soooo in love with Kate Spade's supercalifragilipsticks, and the Fuchsia Fete one is right on trend this Fall with its raspberry, fuchsia color.  I personally think the Bashful Blush one is also on trend since it's a darker (but wearable) medium blush color.

<3, alice